Milling Land Design’s Post

The Biltmore Estate: A Historic Marvel The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is the largest privately owned home in the United States. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, this French Renaissance chateau was completed in 1895. Designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, it features 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The estate spans an impressive 178,926 square feet, which is roughly equivalent to over three standard American football fields. Originally, the estate sat on 125,000 acres of land. The landscaping, created by Frederick Law Olmsted (yes, New York's Central Park creator), includes formal gardens, woodlands, and agricultural fields. Innovations and Contributions The estate pioneered sustainable land management practices, establishing America's first managed forest and a forestry school. Vanderbilt’s commitment to conservation significantly impacted U.S. environmental practices. Remarkably, it was also the first house south of the Mason-Dixon Line to have electricity. Cultural and Artistic Significance The Biltmore houses an extensive collection of European art and rare books. Highlights include the 10,000-volume library, one of the most exclusive private libraries in the country, and the grand Banquet Hall, reflecting the opulence of the Gilded Age. Today’s Biltmore Spanning 8,000 acres, the estate includes gardens, trails, and the Biltmore Winery, attracting around 1.4 million visitors annually. It remains a testament to architectural innovation and historical grandeur. Despite being built over 130 years ago, it still holds the record as the largest home ever constructed in America. Interestingly, it was built by a northern investor who desired a summer home in North Carolina, a trend that continues to this day. #BiltmoreEstate #NorthCarolina #History #Mansion #Asheville

As we celebrate Love Parks Week, where people connect with nature and each other, why not consider bringing that love into your garden? Why not think about incorporating architectural elements such as winding paths, inviting benches, and adding features like a pergola, water fountains, or a gazebo to create focal points. By blending these elements, you can transform your garden into a serene, park-like haven that fosters connection and appreciation for nature. https://buff.ly/49BRP4k

From ancient observation platforms to modern living extensions, the journey of balconies intertwines with societal changes and waterproofing innovations, ensuring their enduring charm and structural integrity. See more about how balconies have changed over time in our latest blog: https://lnkd.in/dmvR3gtX #BalconyEvolution #ProteusWaterproofing 🌆🏡

#ThrowbackThursday It seems more and more important to me that houses are renovated to honour the era in which they were built. I think it makes a home so much more interesting when there is a backstory of its history still present within. What do you think? Are you a fan of retaining original features? Even if they're not necessarily in vogue right now? #retrorenovation #retroreno #retrohouses #renovateforprofit #propertyeducation #perthproperty #60shouses #jarrahfloorboards #mosaictiles #flippinghousesaustralia #houseflipper #followyourdreams #propertyresearch #searchforproperties

🌳 Avoid the mundane by incorporating a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers that bloom at different times of year.  🌳 Ensure your outdoor space receives ample sunlight 🌳 Consider adding outdoor art to enhance its appeal.  🌳 Law of significant enclosure – a space feels more inviting when the vertical edge is at one-third or more of the length of the horizontal edge. Outdoor spaces can be a forgotten feature when it comes time to sell. Don’t make that mistake – get a Property Maven to guide your sale for the best result: https://bit.ly/3CxVJNy #buyersagent #greenthumb #australiarealestate  #realestate #property #gardendeisgn #propertydeveloper #propertydevelopment #courtyarddesign #landscapedesign #sellproperty #vendoradocate

Historic Grounds Report - Lack of Changes in the Butterworth Center Grounds An important part of creating an historic grounds report is determining what has changed over time, including if anything has been moved or disappeared entirely. Sometimes, it’s surprising how few changes have occurred, as is the case with the grounds at Butterworth Center, based on historic photos and maps of the plot. After additions made in the 1910s—such as the pergolas, gazebo, and sunken lawn—the grounds have remained remarkably consistent. Only two grounds structures have been simultaneously altered or removed: the garage was enlarged, and the greenhouse was removed to create the modern Butterworth Education Center. A tool shed was also removed sometime during the Butterworths’ period. Aside from these alterations, the only changes have been to various plantings on the property. Pictures from the 1920s and 30s show significantly more plants across the grounds, including a large number of vines on various trellises. Some changes have occurred over the years for preservation reasons (vines especially can do much damage to wood and brick), because of weather events such as the 2020 derecho, and to accommodate changing aesthetic tastes. Plantings aside, this consistency means that when you explore the grounds of Butterworth Center, you’ll find it much the same as it has been for over 100 years! (Photo credit: William Butterworth Foundation Archives) #DeereFamilyHomes #MolineIllinois #HistoricLandscape #HistoricLandscapePlanning #GardenPergola

Transform your landscape with a natural boulder retaining wall! These sturdy and durable structures provide erosion control while adding a unique, rustic charm to your yard. Perfect for creating terraces and defining spaces, boulder walls blend seamlessly into the natural environment, enhancing both functionality and beauty. Elevate your outdoor space with the timeless appeal of natural boulders. #RetainingWall #Landscaping Give us a call

In the realm of real estate, first impressions matter. Whether you're aiming to sell your property or simply enhance its appeal, creating an inviting atmosphere around your home is key. While landscaping is often the go-to solution, there's another overlooked gem that can effortlessly elevate your home's charm: flower container gardens. Learn more in this week's blog: https://lnkd.in/gkB9SSPb #realestateblog #realestateteam #dcrealtor #mdrealtor #NOVARealtor #DMVRealtor #dmvrealestate

#TBT: Today, we’re stepping back in time to appreciate the historic homes that adorn [COMMUNITY]. Each of these homes tells a unique story, a piece of our community’s rich tapestry. From Victorian beauties to classic bungalows, the architectural diversity in [COMMUNITY] is a testament to our vibrant history. 🏠 [Historic Home Name]: This home, dating back to [Year], is a fine example of [Architectural Style], known for its [Characteristic Feature]. 🏠 [Another Historic Home]: Built in [Year], it stands as a symbol of [Historical Significance], featuring [Distinctive Attributes]. 🏠 [Yet Another Historic Home]: This property showcases the transition in architectural styles with its [Unique Features]. These homes are not just structures; they are monuments of the past, telling tales of the eras gone by. If you’re a history buff or just love the charm and character of historic homes, [COMMUNITY] offers a wealth of treasures to explore. Join me in celebrating our community’s history and if you’re curious about owning a piece of it, let’s talk! #ThrowbackThursday #HistoricHomes #[COMMUNITY]History #ArchitecturalHeritage 🏡🕰️ Cami Hobbs 📞 940-391-1614 #CallonCami #rileyandcorealestategroup #HomeBuyingTips #RealEstateAdvice #HomeBuyer #PropertyHunt #RealEstateJourney

#Renovating a historic #house can be a thrilling endeavor, as it allows you to breathe new life into a piece of the past while adding modern touches that enhance its beauty and functionality. Learn expert tips on how to #renovate historic houses while preserving their unique charm. Research the #history, preserve original features, blend old and new, choose materials wisely, work with #professionals, obtain necessary permits, document the process, respect the neighborhood, and embrace the unexpected. Create a #home that seamlessly blends the past with the present.